Greetings from Dripping Springs, Texas.
How do you engage in prayer? What role does prayer play in your life? How often do you pray? Why do you pray? Prayer is work in the Kingdom, God's economy. Prayer is work in the spiritual realm where battles take place for souls. Prayer is eternal work that's dependent on a close relationship with God and the power of the Holy Spirit working in our hearts and minds. Work that originates deep from within our hearts for God's Kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. Work that longs for God's grace and mercy to soften the hearts of people so they turn to Jesus, The Good Shepherd, through repentance and faith. Prayer is work - hard work.
The hard work of prayer is intentional. Jesus was asked by his disciples to teach them how to pray because they understood the importance of prayer. Praying is deeply connected to our relationship with God and with our spiritual growth trajectory, growing spiritually as a follower of Jesus is a must, not an option. We are called to be disciples, not fans. In other words, an ongoing, life-long journey to be transformed into the image of Christ. Prayer is hard work and vital to our spiritual health. Come Holy Spirit and help us.
The invitation is to pray for Good Shepherd Anglican Church in Dripping Springs, to be intentional as an intercessor, standing in the gap between earth and heaven on behalf of God's mission and for the people in Dripping Springs area. Will you accept the invitation?
Praying,
Fr. Perry+
Prayers:
Gracious Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ, your Son and our Savior. Amen.
O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things in heaven and earth: Mercifully hear our prayers, and grant that at Good Shepherd Anglican Church in Dripping Springs the pure Word of God will be preached and the sacraments duly administered. Strengthen and confirm the faithful; protect and guide the children; visit and relieve the sick; turn and soften the wicked; arouse the careless; recover the fallen; restore the penitent; remove all hindrances to the advancement of your truth; and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church, to the honor and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, our heavenly Father, you manifested your love by sending your only-begotten Son into the world, that all might live through him: Pour out your Spirit on Good Shepherd Anglican Church, that we may fulfill his command to preach the Gospel to all people. Send forth laborers into your harvest; defend them in all dangers and temptations; and hasten the time when the fullness of the Gentiles shall be gathered in, and faithful Israel shall be saved; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.